Sante Pagnini, O.P. (1470–1541) was a Dominican friar of Lucca, one of the foremost Hebraists of the Renaissance. He produced the first complete Latin translation of the Bible made directly from the Hebrew and Greek (Lyon, 1527–28), as well as the monumental Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (Lyon, 1529), which remained the standard Hebrew lexicon for more than a century. His Institutiones Hebraicae and Enchiridion were the leading Hebrew grammar and Aramaic vocabulary of his age.
The passages below are drawn from the 1564 Basel edition of Pagnini’s Bible (Biblia Veteris ac Novi Testamenti, Thomas Guarinus, Basel, 1564), which incorporates his Latin translation alongside St. Jerome’s celebrated prefatory matter, as well as the argumenta (chapter summaries) that head each book and chapter. The edition also contains the Summa Totius Sacrae Scripturae — a prefatory theological outline composed by the publisher Thomas Guarinus — and Jerome’s Prologus Galeatus. Where the authorship of individual prefaces or argumenta is Jerome’s, this is indicated. All passages are quoted exactly as they appear in the printed text.
I. On the Jews as Adversaries of the Church and of Holy Scripture
Jerome’s Preface to Isaiah (included in Pagnini’s Bible)
Jerome explains the purpose of his labours in the study of Hebrew:
“qui scit me ob hoc in peregrinae Linguae eruditione sudasse, ne Iudæi de falsitate Scripturarum Ecclesiis eius diutius insultarét.”
Translation: “who knows that I sweated over this in the study of a foreign tongue, so that the Jews might no longer insult his churches about the falsity of the Scriptures.”
Jerome’s Preface (on the Correction of the Latin Text)
On the grief of the Jews at being deprived of a weapon:
“dolere Iudæos quòd calumniandi eis, &irridendi Christianos sit ablata occasio”
Translation: “The Jews grieve because the opportunity of slandering and mocking Christians has been taken away from them.”
Jerome’s Preface to the Books of Chronicles (included in Pagnini’s Bible)
Jerome describes his new Latin translation as an answer to Jewish mockery:
“nouum opusin veteri opere cudere, illudentibúsque Iudæis, cornicum (vt dicitur) oculos configere.”
Translation: “To forge a new work upon the old, and, while the Jews mock, to poke out the eyes of crows — as the saying goes.”
Jerome’s Preface: Malachias on the Rejection of Israel
Jerome’s note on the Prophet Malachias, quoted in the prefatory matter of Pagnini’s Bible:
“Malachias apertè, &in fine omnium Prophetarum, de abiectione Ifrael, &vocatione Gentium, Non est mihi, ait, voluntas in vobis, dicit Dominus exercituum: &munus non suscipiam de manu vestra. Ab ortu enim solis vfque ad occasum, magnum est nomen meum in Gentibus: &in omni loco sacrificatur, &offertur nomini meo oblatio munda.”
Translation: “Malachias, openly and at the very close of all the Prophets, speaks of the rejection of Israel and the calling of the Gentiles: ‘I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun to its setting, my name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place a pure offering is sacrificed and offered to my name.'”
II. Supersessionism: The Old Law as Shadow and Figure
From the Summa Totius Sacrae Scripturae (Thomas Guarinus, in Pagnini’s Bible)
On the ceremonial law and sacrifices of the Jews as prefigurations superseded by Christ:
“quodneque Lex, nequefacrificia &hoftiæ Legis præftabant. erant enim vmbræ & figuræ veræ oblationis corporis CHRISTI, qua peccata omnia obliteranda erant &abolenda.”
Translation: “Which neither the Law nor the sacrifices and victims of the Law accomplished. For they were shadows and figures of the true oblation of the body of CHRIST, by which all sins were to be blotted out and abolished.”
III. Deicide and the Destruction of the Jews
Argumentum of Jeremiah, Chapter XI (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Excidium Iudæorum ob Christum traditum in manus Gentium.”
Translation: “The destruction of the Jews on account of Christ being delivered into the hands of the Gentiles.”
Argumentum of Daniel, Chapter IX (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Christi mors, &Abiectio impiorum Iudæorum.”
Translation: “The death of Christ, and the rejection of the wicked Jews.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter XXIV (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Euerfio terræ fanctæ prædicirur ob Chriftum non receptum ab eis.”
Translation: “The destruction of the Holy Land is foretold because they did not receive Christ.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter XXV (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Gratīs aliis, vaftationem Synagogæ &populi Iudaici defcribit Propheta. 8 Fideles, impus Iudæis mulctatis quanuis inuoluti multum malis, feruabuntur per Chriftum.”
Translation: “For the benefit of others, the Prophet describes the desolation of the Synagogue and of the Jewish people. 8 The faithful, even though the wicked Jews are punished and are themselves caught up in many evils, will be saved through Christ.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter V (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“1 Parabola de Iudæis affumptis in populum Dei. 5 Reiectio Iudeorum… 24 Exterminatio Iudæorum ob abiectionem legis Dei. 26 A Babyloniis Iudæi deftructi, &quomodo.”
Translation: “1 A parable concerning the Jews taken as God’s people. 5 The rejection of the Jews… 24 The extermination of the Jews on account of their abandonment of God’s law. 26 The Jews destroyed by the Babylonians, and how.”
IV. The Jews as Rebels, Hypocrites, and Obstinate Unbelievers
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter I (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“3 Ingratitudo Iudeorum. 5 Omni genere afflictionum percuffi Iudæi, non funt reuerfiad Deum. 8 Defolatio ruina Iudeorum vmbraculo &Sodomis comparata. 11 Ceremonias &facrificia in quibus collocabant Sanctitatem, reiicit Dominus. 16 Eos ad pœnitentiam exhortatur.”
Translation: “3 The ingratitude of the Jews. 5 The Jews, struck with every kind of affliction, did not return to God. 8 The desolation and ruin of the Jews compared to a watchtower and to Sodom. 11 The Lord rejects the ceremonies and sacrifices in which they placed their holiness. 16 He exhorts them to penance.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter XLVII–XLVIII (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“1 In Iudeos hypocritas, nomine quidem in Deo gloriantes, fallis autem denegantes. 4 Iudæorum gens obftinata.”
Translation: “1 Against the Jewish hypocrites, who glory in God’s name but deny him through falsehoods. 4 The obstinate race of the Jews.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter XLII (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“18 Increpantur increduli Iudei. 24 Anulfi a fide, direpti a Deo Iudas.”
Translation: “18 The incredulous Jews are rebuked. 24 The Jews, torn away from faith, plundered by God.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter L (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Iudai reiecti à Deo, quòd Chriftum non recepiffent.”
Translation: “The Jews rejected by God, because they had not received Christ.”
Argumentum of Jeremiah, Chapter II (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Iudeorum malitiam arguit aliarum gentium comparatione. 12 Deftructi Iudai ob derelictum Deum, &fornicationem eorum cum idolis. 21 Iudæos peccatum fuum non agnofcentes, convincit Deus peccatores effe, hypocritas fornicatores.”
Translation: “He convicts the wickedness of the Jews in comparison with other nations. 12 The Jews are destroyed on account of forsaking God and their fornication with idols. 21 God convicts the Jews, who do not acknowledge their own sin, of being sinners, hypocrites, and fornicators.”
Argumentum of Jeremiah, Chapter VI (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Populi contemptus in Deum. 20 Sacrificia Iudæorum reiicit Dominus.”
Translation: “The people’s contempt for God. 20 The Lord rejects the sacrifices of the Jews.”
V. The Calling of the Gentiles in Place of the Jews (Supersessionism)
Argumentum of 2 Samuel, Chapter XXII (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“44 Abiectio Iudeorum, &Gentium electio. 50 Laus Dei inter Gentes poft prædicatum Chriftum.”
Translation: “44 The rejection of the Jews and the election of the Gentiles. 50 Praise of God among the Gentiles after Christ is preached.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter LIV (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“1 Plures ex Gentibus Chrifto credentes, quàm ex Iudæis. 4 Promifsionem fuam de regno Chrifti confirmat Deus.”
Translation: “1 More from the Gentiles believing in Christ than from the Jews. 4 God confirms his promise concerning the kingdom of Christ.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter LXV (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Gentium vocatio. 2 Gentes quales. 6 Idolatræ puniendi. 8 Ex Iudæis reliquiæ faluatæ, &vehementer multiplicatæ. 11 Infidelibus pœnas minatur.”
Translation: “The calling of the Gentiles. 2 What the Gentiles are like. 6 Idolaters to be punished. 8 A remnant saved from among the Jews, and greatly multiplied. 11 He threatens punishments for the faithless.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter LXVI (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“19 Vocatio Gentium per prædicationem Apoftolorum. 23 Perpetua ferie &fabbatha apud Chriftianos.”
Translation: “19 The calling of the Gentiles through the preaching of the Apostles. 23 The perpetual series of Sabbaths among Christians.”
VI. The Conspiracy of the Jews Against Christ
Argumentum of Psalm II (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“1 Vana confpiratio ac furor Regum &principum tum Gentilium tum Iudæorum contra Chriftum. 3 Rebellio impiorum contra Deum ac Chriftum eius. 4 Irriti eorum conatus. 9 Ruina contumacium contra Chriftum.”
Translation: “1 The vain conspiracy and fury of Kings and princes, both Gentile and Jewish, against Christ. 3 The rebellion of the wicked against God and against his Christ. 4 The frustration of their attempts. 9 The ruin of those who are contumacious against Christ.”
Argumentum of Psalm XLI (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“5 Chriftus orat pro peccatis noftris, tanquam to Iudeorum perfidia.”
Translation: “5 Christ prays for our sins, in view of the perfidy of the Jews.”
Argumentum of Psalm LV (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“16 Chriftus autem ab inimicis. 7 Fugiens Iudæos, orat contra.”
Translation: “16 Christ, however, [is afflicted] by enemies. 7 Fleeing from the Jews, he prays against them.”
Argumentum of Psalm LXIX (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“23 Iudeorum ruina ob contemptum Chriftum.”
Translation: “23 The ruin of the Jews on account of their contempt for Christ.”
VII. The Punishment of Jewish Incredulity
Argumentum of Psalm LXXVIII (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“8 Contumacia, infidelitasque Iudæorum. 21 Infidelitas Iudæorum punitur. 30 Rurfum incredulitas eorum punitur. 56 Rebelles & idolatræ Iudei.”
Translation: “8 The contumacy and incredulity of the Jews. 21 The incredulity of the Jews is punished. 30 Again their incredulity is punished. 56 The rebellious and idolatrous Jews.”
Argumentum of Isaiah, Chapter X (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“5 Deus Iudeos interfecturus, minifterio Affyriorum vtitur.”
Translation: “5 God, about to destroy the Jews, uses the Assyrians as his instrument.”
Argumentum of Jeremiah, Chapter XX (Pagnini’s Bible, 1564)
“Rurfus annuntiat Iudæorum vaftationem.”
Translation: “He again announces the devastation of the Jews.”
VIII. The Talmudists
While Pagnini’s philological works engage extensively with Talmudic and rabbinic tradition as sources for lexical and grammatical data, his Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (1529) and Institutiones Hebraicae (1523) refer repeatedly to the Talmudistae as a distinct class of authorities. The Thesaurus (both the 1529 Lyon edition and the 1548 contracted edition by Robert Estienne) cites Talmudic usage in numerous entries, often placing the Talmudists alongside Targum and rabbinic commentators:
“Talmud. fiue doctores Hebraei, aut Mifnah, fiue textus Talmudicus” (Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae, 1548 edition)
Translation: “Talmud — that is, the Hebrew doctors; or the Mishnah, that is, the Talmudic text.”
“In Talmud exponitur… Et Rab. Ionah fcripfit” (Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae, 1548 edition)
Translation: “In the Talmud it is explained… And Rabbi Jonah wrote…”
“Etin Talmud Ierufalmi (.i. Hierofolymitano) tefte Ra. Dau. in lib.ra.” (Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae, 1529 edition)
Translation: “And in the Jerusalem Talmud (that is, the Talmud of Jerusalem), as Rabbi David attests in the Book of Roots.”
Sources
- Habes hoc in libro: Institutiones Hebraicae (Sante Pagnini, ca. 1523) https://archive.org/details/habeshocinlibroc00pagn
- Summa Privilegiorum Regis Catholici / Epitome Thesauri (Plantin edition) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_ZibeKo8NGHUC
- Enchiridion Expositionis Vocabulorum Haruch, Thargum… (Sante Pagnini) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_A0d-WrKrk64C
- Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (Sante Pagnini, contracted edition, Robert Estienne, 1548) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_2XtKbZlpucQC
- Epitome Thesauri Linguae Sanctae (Plantin edition, vol. 2) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_5K41CLQcrzkC
- Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (Plantin/Antwerp edition) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_4IXDKpHjmIAC
- Epitome Thesauri Linguae Sanctae (Plantin edition, vol. 3) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Tp8ZtaN7_NcC
- Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (Plantin edition, vol. 4) https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_hSMpV8b767YC
- Biblia Veteris ac Novi Testamenti (Pagnini’s Latin translation, Thomas Guarinus, Basel, 1564) — contains St. Jerome’s prefaces and the chapter argumenta from which the majority of the passages above are drawn. Primary source for Sections I–VII of this compilation. https://books.google.com/books/about/Biblia_Veteris_Ac_Novi_Testamenti.html?id=Za5VAAAAcAAJ
- Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae (first edition, Sebastianus Gryphius, Lyon, 1529) — primary source for the Talmudic references in Section VIII. https://books.google.com/books/about/Thesaurus_linguae_sanctae.html?id=126eOc-qy1YC